Review Details
Description
Burnout Dominator is an installment of the Burnout series for the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation Portable systems. The game is mainly focused on returned Burnouts feature - draining a complete boost meter without stopping wich was last seen in Burnout 2: Point of Impact. With return of Burnouts feature there were four new game modes added including Maniac Mode (players need to drive dangerously to get highest scores by earning drifts, air, oncoming and near misses. Chaining Burnouts in this mode increases the score multiplier), Drift Challenge (in this mode player need to obtain as many feet of drifting as possible. Chaining Burnouts also increases the score multiplier here), Near Miss Challenge (same as Drift Challenge, but player needs to score near miss bonuses), Burnout Challenge (also same as Drift Challenge, but focusing on obtaining Burnouts score). However, some options have been removed from the game - for instance Burnout Dominator doesn't feature Crash Mode, there is also no Traffic Checking Mode and Online Multiplayer. But PSP version features Burnout HQ where you can upload you score and download new track. The game consists of 12 different tracks, in 8 different real world locations. Each track has a forward and a reverse configuration.
Review
Burnout Dominator, released in 2007 for the PlayStation 2 and PSP, marks a curious return to the arcade racing mayhem that defined the series before Burnout Revenge. Developed by Criterion Games alongside EA, it dials back some of the more bombastic features of its immediate predecessor in favor of a streamlined, skill-focused racing experience. The result is a game that may not reinvent the Burnout formula but successfully recaptures the exhilaration of high-speed takedowns and edge-of-your-seat crashes that fans love.
What truly sets Dominator apart is its renewed focus on raw driving and the signature Burnout boost mechanic. Unlike Burnout Revenge, which introduced traffic checking, Dominator removes this controversial feature and challenges players to earn boost through dangerous driving and chaining risky maneuvers. The sense of speed is incredible, and mastering the art of chaining boosts for as long as possible is massively rewarding. The game pushes players not just to race fast but to race fearlessly, with the ever-present risk of spectacular, physics-based crashes.
Visually, Burnout Dominator impresses given its late-era PS2 roots. The environments, while not the most varied in the series, offer enough detail and flair to keep the tracks interesting. Motion blur and camera shake do a lot of heavy lifting, successfully communicating the blazing pace at which you're tearing through city streets and mountain passes. The graphics might not dazzle in hindsight, but the game's sense of speed is second to none for its generation.
Sound design is a highlight, with roaring engines and bone-crunching impacts lending heft to every collision. The licensed soundtrack, filled with high-energy rock and electronic tracks, fits perfectly with the game's rebellious spirit. These auditory cues combine seamlessly with the visual chaos, making every near-miss and takedown feel visceral and thrilling.
However, Burnout Dominator isn't without its shortcomings. The removal of the series' fan-favorite Crash mode—a puzzling omission—means players will miss out on the destructive playground that many considered Burnout's trademark. The game also lacks online multiplayer, restricting competitive play to local modes. While the AI is aggressive and competent, the absence of robust multiplayer features hinders the game's long-term replayability.
Despite some missing content, Burnout Dominator stands as a well-crafted homage to the classic arcade roots of the franchise. Its back-to-basics approach makes it instantly accessible to newcomers while also offering a potent challenge to veterans seeking to master its intricate boost chaining system. While the lack of Crash mode and online play are disappointing, the sheer speed, style, and intensity of its racing keep it firmly in the winner's circle for those craving arcade action.
In conclusion, Burnout Dominator is a thrilling, focused entry in the Burnout series that manages to capture much of what made earlier titles great. It's a celebration of dangerous driving, tight mechanical design, and unabashedly fast-paced racing. While it doesn't fully satisfy the craving for chaos some fans may expect due to missing features, it remains an essential experience for any arcade racing enthusiast and a worthy addition to the legacy of Burnout.